Joseph Wambaugh passed away

[raljr1]

Joseph Wambaugh, Author With a Cop’s-Eye View, Is Dead at 88 - The New York Times

I enjoyed his books. We read "The Choirboys" in our 20s and thought it was a riot. Read it again in my late 50s and felt the darkness that I missed while laughing at some of the comic interludes when I read it the first time .

I have a number of his books, some of the later ones left me cold

Robert

 

[rockquarry]

Excellent and very talented writer and his cop novels are second to no other authors. However, most of his non-fiction work was secondary to the fiction stuff. Regrettably, there is no one to replace Joseph Wambaugh.

It would be difficult to pick his best work since there were so many good ones. I'd put "Secrets of Harry Bright", "The Golden Orange" and "The Blue Knight" near the top of the list.

 

[Rustyt1953]

"Joseph Wambaugh was one of the finest human beings I ever met. Thanks to Joe, my career exploded with The Onion Field, and I never looked back. Lifelong friendships came from that once-in-a lifetime experience. Joe felt that Hollywood ruined his books, so he mortgaged his home to finance The Onion Field. One night while filming I asked him why this particular story was so important to him. “Because God put me on this earth to tell it.” And now God has called him home. No doubt heaven will be a safer place. I am heartbroken. I loved Joe Wambaugh with all my heart. May he rest in peace."

~ James Woods

 

[Baxter6551]

I’ve actually been re-reading “The New Centurions” the last couple of weeks. Sorry to hear of his passing. I enjoyed his books very much. I really enjoyed his last series of books with Hollywood Station, the surfer cops etc.
“Bench Up Partner”

 

[tlawler]

Great author. Gave a true LEO perspective to his work. My favorite is still “The Choirboys” and the pressed ham on glass scene

R.I.P. sir.

 

[Rudi]

A great writer. I bet he knew Bumper. RIP.

 

[JayCeeNC]

I've read all of his books, got most of them on my bookshelf in hardback.
As a young cop in the 1970s I enjoyed them immensely.
RIP; you gave me a lot of reading enjoyment.

 

[S-W4EVER]

We used to pass the latest Joe Wambaugh books around when I was an MP in the ROK. Later, as a Trooper we’d discuss his latest books over coffee. R.I.P. Joe, you are already missed.

 

[STCM(SW)]

A great writer of what a LEO has to go through.
Liked hes input on Police Story the best

 

[old bear]

I've read most of his works, and for one I will miss him. Joe rest in peace..

 

[lihpster]

For his service to his community alone, I respect him. R.I.P., Sir. Thank you for the stories.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

I think I have read just about everything Mr. Wambaugh chose to publish. Several years ago I finished his latest book and noticed a contact e-mail on the inside dust cover, followed up with a note thanking him for many years of excellent work. He replied the next day, then sent me a signed copy with a personalized bookmark.

Total class act in every way. Joseph Wambaugh will be missed by many people.

 

[margethatcher]

Read a bunch of his stuff. Don't think "The Choirboys" would be published in its present form.

 

[S-W4EVER]

I think I have read just about everything Mr. Wambaugh chose to publish. Several years ago I finished his latest book and noticed a contact e-mail on the inside dust cover, followed up with a note thanking him for many years of excellent work. He replied the next day, then sent me a signed copy with a personalized bookmark.

Total class act in every way. Joseph Wambaugh will be missed by many people.

A few years ago on FB I related to him how we used to pass his books around when I was overseas and he “Liked” the post. I have no doubt he would have sent his books to us by the case for free if I had thought to write him back in the day. Again, R.I.P. Joe Wambaugh, you had a lot of positive influence on LE...

 

[CALREB]

As a young cop in the 70s Blue Knight, New Centurions and Choirboys was required reading. after I went to LA, I acquired most if not all of his books in hardback. My wife has a few autographed ones. We may have missed some of his later works , so I an now going to check.

Yes Hollywood butchered his work, which is too bad. With the exception of "The Onion Field" where he took charge. Great human being. As those of us know his depictions are way more accurate than Dragnet or Adam -12. They are ok but not as realistic as Wambaughs characters and happenings.

RIP Joe and Much thanks for the hours of relaxed enjoyment.

P.S. Found this in endless boxes of police stuff gathered in 39 years. I think you earned one after thousands of " Choir" practices...

 

[lawandorder]

Joseph Wambaugh, thank you from most everyone who wore a badge ,and many that didn't, for the books you wrote and for helping folks to have a better understanding of the profession.
Rest in peace Sir. You will not be forgotten.

 

[CALREB]

I was going through some boxes of stuff put away over the years for a shadow box, if I ever get around to having one built. This will not go in the shadow box, because I don't want it too big. I will probably put it in another frame with a bunch of buckles from the LE years, most having to do with some shooting matches.

I do remember getting this back in the 70s when Wambaughs books, movies, and big buckles were in style.